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Louise Penny

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 23 Books

3
Series
23
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books
Start with: Still Life (2005)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Hangman (2010)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Mysterious Writers: The Many Facets of Mystery Writing (2010)

About Louise Penny

Louise Penny is a Canadian New York Times bestselling author of mystery. Louise Penny was born in Toronto and she was introduced to mystery novels at a young age because her mother read many works fiction, non-fiction, and crime. She enjoyed reading works from authors such as Agatha Chrisitie, Michael Innes, and many more. She’s always dreamed of writing and when the opportunity was given to pursue that dream she took it, and never looked back. Louise Penny started off as a radio host, journalist after obtaining a Bachelors Degree at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute which is also known as (Ryerson University). She maintained an eighteen year career as a radio host and journalist with the Canadian Broadcast Company (CBC) and turned to writing. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series, Louise Penny has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Louise Penny

Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books
21 books 2005–2026
1

Still Life

Still Life continues the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books story arc with Louise Penny's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
2

Dead Cold / A Fatal Grace

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Cold / A Fatal Grace as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series showcases Louise Penny's mastery of suspense.

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2006
3

The Cruellest Month

The Cruellest Month continues the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books story arc with Louise Penny's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
4

A Rule Against Murder / The Murder Stone

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Rule Against Murder / The Murder Stone as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series showcases Louise Penny's mastery of suspense.

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2008
5

The Brutal Telling

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books with The Brutal Telling, another outstanding contribution from Louise Penny.

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2009
6

Bury Your Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Bury Your Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series showcases Louise Penny's mastery of suspense.

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2010
7

A Trick of the Light

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books with A Trick of the Light, another outstanding contribution from Louise Penny.

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2011
8

The Beautiful Mystery

The Beautiful Mystery continues the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books story arc with Louise Penny's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
9

How the Light Gets In

How the Light Gets In continues the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books story arc with Louise Penny's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
10

The Long Way Home

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books with The Long Way Home, another outstanding contribution from Louise Penny.

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2014
11

The Nature of the Beast

The Nature of the Beast continues the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books story arc with Louise Penny's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
12

A Great Reckoning

A Great Reckoning is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Louise Penny have come to expect.

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2016
13

Glass Houses

Glass Houses is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Louise Penny have come to expect.

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2017
14

Kingdom of the Blind

Epic adventure awaits in Kingdom of the Blind, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Louise Penny has built.

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2018
15

A Better Man

A Better Man continues the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books story arc with Louise Penny's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
16

All the Devils Are Here

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books with All the Devils Are Here, another outstanding contribution from Louise Penny.

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2020
17

The Madness of Crowds

The Madness of Crowds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Louise Penny have come to expect.

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2021
18

A World of Curiosities

A World of Curiosities is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Louise Penny have come to expect.

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2022
19

The Grey Wolf

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books with The Grey Wolf, another outstanding contribution from Louise Penny.

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2024
20

The Black Wolf

The Black Wolf is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Louise Penny have come to expect.

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2025
21

Miss Wolcott's Ghost

Miss Wolcott's Ghost is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Louise Penny have come to expect.

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2026
Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Short Stories/Novellas
1 books 2010–2010
1

The Hangman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Short Stories/Novellas with The Hangman, another outstanding contribution from Louise Penny.

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2010
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2010–2010
1

Mysterious Writers: The Many Facets of Mystery Writing

Mysterious Writers: The Many Facets of Mystery Writing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Louise Penny have come to expect.

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2010

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Louise Penny?

Louise Penny is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 23 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books, Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Louise Penny series to start with?

For readers new to Louise Penny's work, the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with Still Life to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Louise Penny written?

Louise Penny has written over 23 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Louise Penny books in order?

Yes, reading Louise Penny's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Louise Penny write in?

Louise Penny writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 23 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Louise Penny's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Louise Penny's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Louise Penny's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Louise Penny's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Inspector Gamache Books series. The first book, Still Life, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.